Welcome to the Underwater Photography Guide. This online book and magazine is a complete underwater photography tutorial full of u/w photography tips and techniques. Our idea is simple - learn, shoot, explore. We hope you enjoy and come back often - Scott Gietler, Owner of UWPG and Bluewater Photo & Travel.

Behind the scenes of Seaproof.tv's shipwreck minimentary featuring Jill Heinerth in a cold water explorer's paradise

Bell Island is a little known explorer’s paradise, a short distance from the city of St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada.

Our ‘Exploring Bell Island’ Minimentary came together after a week of diving as part of a group put together by Jill Heinerth on behalf of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, with the aim of documenting the historically significant shipwrecks.

We were blown away at how incredible the wrecks are, and how unique the area is. We shot underwater video throughout the week, but only towards the end of the trip did we decide to interview Jill and make it a goal to share with others the importance of Bell Island through our Seaproof.tv Minimentary. It’s too much of an amazing place not to!

The Camera Gear

For the shoot, we used a Canon 5D Mark II with Magic Lantern, Aquatica housing, and Light & Motion lights, all packed away in fabulous Nanuk hard cases. Above water, we used a mixture of the same 5D Mark II, GoPro Hero 4s, Sony AX100, and the occasional iPhone snippet. We left the Sony AX100 above water as it’s not wide enough to do these wrecks justice; nothing comes close to a 5D with a 16-35mm lens on.

Ideally we would have shot this in 4K, but the 5D Mark II is the better tool for this job. Its full frame sensor takes in an enormous amount of light, even at depth, emphasizing the good visibility. The 5D’s video also has a nice cinematic softness to it that we wanted for this specific shoot. We wanted it to feel epic and more cinematic than what we normally shoot - which also lead to our decision to edit this in a 21:9 ratio. These wrecks deserve to be made to look as cool as possible!

Diving & Filming at Bell Island

We planned our dives so we could capture the more iconic areas of the wrecks: the bow, the stern guns, torpedo damage, anchor, and so on. We were using open circuit, so bottom time was fairly limiting, though the wrecks are in recreational limits. We always had a rough idea of where we were going, and to what end. Jill would give us a good idea of what to expect on the wrecks, and what could be of interest. One of the wrecks had an intact Marconi room, one had some old vinyl laying on the deck, some had ammunition boxes, one an old shoe. All great visuals for a video.

An important part of the diving experience for us is what goes on above water; the people, the geography, and the history. It’s also very important for non-divers to see more than just a close up of a nudibranch. Exploration and adventure define us as a species, not just as divers. We want non-divers to watch this video and be amazed at what lies beneath them.

Editing & Sharing 'Exploring Bell Island'

We edit using Adobe Premiere Pro CC, on two MacBook Pros. It’s a collaborative process that we enjoy - it’s where the story really comes together. We have a pretty elaborate editing system and set up in an office crammed with hard drives, monitors, and a healthy supply of coffee and biscuits. We share our videos on Vimeo, YouTube, and Facebook - for us it’s all about sharing and getting people to see the cool things we’ve seen. Hopefully, a few people will look twice, and maybe think about exploring our seas for the first time.

Seaproof.tv is a company that Trisha Stovel and myself, Russell Clark, formed 3 years ago as a way for us to make these Minimentaries to tell the world about all the amazing things out there. Seaproof.tv has now grown into a successful video business, providing content for Canon cameras, Performance Freediving International, Global TV, and a host of others.

At our core is a love for telling a good story. As Walt Disney used to say, ‘”We don't make pictures just to make money. We make money to make more pictures."

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Exploring Bell Island by Seaproof.tv

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Seaproof.tv is an underwater video company based in British Columbia, Canada, a partnership between Trisha Stovel and Russell Clark. Trisha was originally from Ontario; a dive instructor, underwater videographer, and ocean lover through and through. Russell moved to Canada from England just over 6 years ago, started diving, and never looked back. 3 years ago we formed Seaproof.tv as a way for two video and ocean lovers to combine forces; it’s been non stop videos, endless camera gear, and lots of diving ever since.

With a focus on underwater video, we produce unique content for small businesses, independent productions, and non-profits. But at the heart of what we do are our Minimentaries - and we’re just getting started. We have at least four more Minimentaries in the can, and an endless stream of ideas for new ones.

Take an inside look at the camera and housing gear used by underwater photographer Ken Kiefer

I always try to travel with as many of my important items in my carry-ons as possible, and keep them in sight at all times. Airlines and TSA always treat all luggage with the most loving of care, but still…

I start with my Canon 5Ds in my Ikelite housing. I started using both Canon and Ikelite back in 2004 and have had no reason to try any of the other excellent options out there. Ikelite has always been there with their wonderful customer service, either for servicing equipment, or answering any questions. I like being able to see into the housing to assure myself of o-ring placement and it’s nice to see how each control lever/button is making contact in case of an issue.

I also take a pair of Ikelite DS161 strobes with extra battery packs. I love the color and spread of these strobes, not to mention the great battery life.

I travel with the Ikelite 8” dome and Canon 16-35f4. I mostly use this dome for corner clarity and because I only shoot wide angle and large animals… including humans J I also bring the 6” dome as a backup to use with my 8-15mm lens. No dome shade so that I can shoot full circular at 8mm.

The AO cooler bag doesn’t fit in my carry-on, but it is an essential part of my photography gear. It acts as a cushion on rough boat rides, plus keeps accidental bumps on a crowded boat to a minimum. I usually keep some fresh water in the cooler as a personal rinse tank ;)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ken Kiefer is an underwater photographer that specializes in big animals and fashion/fitness shoots. He uses his images of sharks to educate children about the realities of sharks –vs- media portrayal.

Take an inside look at the camera and housing gear used by underwater photographer Ron Watkins

Currently I shoot with my Nikon D800 full frame DSLR camera system in a Sea&Sea housing and utilize various wide and macro lenses and ports. I also travel with a second Nikon D300 camera body and Sea&Sea housing as a backup. I have been shooting with Sea&Sea housings, strobes and ports since my first DSLR Nikon D200 camera and found the reliability and ease of use very good. Here are my Wide Angle and Macro setups.

This setup with the Zen mini dome and Tokina 10-17mm fisheye lens is perfect for close focus wide angle shots and when you want a less bulky setup. With a full frame DSLR, you can only shoot the Tokina in the 15-17mm range as it is meant for a cropped sensor but is still really crisp around the edges with this glass dome port. Also notice the spare dive computer conveniently mounted on the Ultralight Control Systems arm which makes it easier to monitor your dive.

The 1.2X magnifying viewfinder is an essential addition if you want to better see your subject and all of the camera settings. It also allows you to hold the camera away from your mask, is less stressful on your neck and much easier to see through than the stock housing viewfinders. The 180 degree viewfinder is shown, but I also like using the 45 degree viewfinder, especially for macro photography because it allows you to get your camera lower and allows you to look down instead of straight.

The Nikon 16-35mm lens with the large 8” dome that I am using in this picture is excellent for sharks, sea lions and other fast moving subjects.It focuses fast and the range allows you to shoot skittish sharks as well as ones that like to bump your camera.The YS250 strobes are large and heavy to travel with, but the recycle rate and power on these big boys make them a secret weapon on fast moving subjects where you want to shoot in continuous mode.

Macro Gear

Shown here is my Nikon D300 Setup with 45 degree viewfinder, which if I am shooting a lot of both wide and macro on a trip, I leave setup for macro and dedicate the D800 to wide, which minimizes lens and port change overs. A Sola light with amber light setting is a must if you want to get good shots of skittish macro subjects and keep their pupils open and dilated. The YS250 strobes are overkill for this macro setup, but if I am traveling, I only bring one set of strobes and have gotten used to these bulky ones. I even have snoots that go over the YS250 strobes. I also have to use several floats to counter balance the density of this setup - and even then it is still negative.

The three lenses that are on my carry-on camera bag: Left to right Tokina 10-17m fisheye, Nikkor 105mm macro, Nikkor 16-35mm wide-angle.

I use zoom rings on the wide angle lenses and a manual focus clamshell gear on the 105 for total control.Note the rubberband on the 10-17 below the gear.I have had problems and know several others that have had an issue with the dial part of the lens that the gear rests on sliding off the lens, so this rubber band prevents that.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ron Watkins is an international award winning photographer and writer. He has been passionate about underwater photography since 1996 and his photography has appeared in magazines, websites, juried art displays, national aquariums, libraries and private collections. More of Ron’s photography may be viewed at www.scubarews.com.

Take an inside look at the camera and housing gear used by underwater photographer Book Peterson

For an underwater photographer, having the right gear is essential to achieving your imaging goals. My kit consists of many components, but the majority of it is made by Sea&Sea.

I have a Nikon D810 camera, and I use a Sea&Sea MDX-810 housing because it is ergonomically designed so that the gears are precise and easy to reach, even with one hand. I also use Sea&Sea strobes. The YS-D2 strobe is a powerful strobe in a lightweight package so I get the best lighting possible even when I travel.

I enjoy macro photography as much as wide angle, and find that it is important to have diopters for super-macro shots. I use the Nauticam SMC, and Subsee’s +5 and +10 diopters. I have two dome ports for wide angle photography: one that is compact for CFWA, and a large 9 inch dome for big animals and splits. I also make use of two different flat ports for various lenses.

These are the most essential things in my kit, but other accessories such as a viewfinder, snoots, floats, extension rings, gears, and focus lights also play an important role in helping me get the shot I am after.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brook Peterson is an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer who enjoys capturing the beauty of the under water environment throughout the world. She is an original member of the SEA&SEA Alpha program. Her work has been featured in both print and online magazines. She is the owner of Waterdog Photography and authors a blog on underwater photography and techniques. More of her work can be found at:

Take an inside look at a beautiful collection of dugong photos from Egypt

I have been photographing dugongs since 2012. My first encounter was very emotional, especially because I met this huge animal on New Year's day. It emerged out of nowhere, eating the sea grass and coming right at me. Being observed by snorkelers from the surface, we spent almost one hour swimming next to each other. As both of us were underwater on a single breath, it felt like having a new freedive buddy.

Since then, I have met 5 different dugongs. Some of them were young and shy, some of them old and nervous, but my favorite dugong is an adult specimen living in Marsa Mubarak (bay in the Red Sea). This bay is located close to a hotel with diving centre, so this individual is often observed by divers or snorkelers. Because of that, he lost his natural shyness.

Some divers complain that they spent 2 weeks diving in Marsa Mubarak and did not see any dugongs. But this is not my case. I know the spots with fresh grass that he likes and also the time he comes for breakfast and dinner. Because of this knowledge, on 90% of my dives in the bay I end up photographing this marine mammal.

My rules are: 1) don´t touch it, and 2) don´t stress it. When I see that my presence is not welcomed, I move back to give him some space. I also never touch any marine mammals, although the dugong touched me accidently on several occasions. I belive this is because he is used to me and sometimes he is just too big and too lazy. So it is easier to push me a little bit instead of swimming around.

A few times I also witnessed this dugong attacking grean sea turtles. At the beginning it looked like the encounter had some sexual context, but later on I realised that it is probably territorial behaviour related to fighting for the grass. In other words, the dugong probably believes that the bay and all grass in it belongs to him, and other grass eaters are not welcomed in his reach.

Anyways, freediving with dugongs is a great opportunity for wide-angle photographers. This 3 metre long, 500 kilo heavy, shalow water living, slow moving object is the perfect model for all cameras and fisheye lenses. Just wait for the best light, then possition the dugong between your dome port and sun rays, wait for the best moment, and the perfect image is yours.

About Dugongs

The dugong (Dugong dugon) is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae. The dugong's current distribution is reduced and disjunct, and many populations are close to extinction. Despite being listed among species vulnerable to extinction, most people are not even aware of its existence.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vaclav is the only UW photographer in the Czech Republic, who photographs the underwater world with a DSLR while freediving only. It means that all Vaclav´s underwater photographs are taken on a single breath of air.

These days Vaclav organizes photography workshops and expeditions, contributes to magazines and photography web sites, but most importantly, captures the beauty of mountains and the underwater world. Please visit his web site for more information: www.vaclavkrpelik.com

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How Drew Collins transformed his two passions, scuba and photography, into a business

Seven years ago, if someone had asked me to discuss the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, ISO and metering, or wanted to know the difference between a Giant Pacific Octopus and a Red Octopus, I would not have had an intelligent answer on either subject. I have worked with diligence and persistence over the past few years on my two passions: photography and scuba diving. I have studied both and continue to learn about each subject. I aspire to discover and understand animal behaviors, habitats, food sources, mating behaviors, inclinations, and tendencies.Fully understanding each of these helps to make me a better diver and photographer.

January 2009, I purchased my first DSLR, a Nikon D90 with a very basic 18-105mm lens. Within a couple of weeks, I enrolled in a basic photography course at a local community college. I read and absorbed every photography book and magazine I could acquire from the local libraries. I submerged myself in the world of photography. For that first year I practiced constantly. Every day I would work on different skills, increasing my newly acquired knowledge of framing, lighting, creativity, etc.

In May 2009, I completed my Basic Open Water Scuba class, and within a couple of weeks had completed the Advanced Open Water Scuba course. By the end of my first summer of diving, I successfully completed over 100 dives in the cold waters of Puget Sound. That summer, I also purchased and was learning all about how to use my very first underwater photography camera, the Canon G10.

The Canon G10 is excellent for the beginner to intermediate photographer. Although a basic camera, it is solid, feels good in your hands, shoots in RAW and allows video recording. The latest iterations can shoot HD video. It is very reasonably priced and is easy to get through TSA when travelling. I believe that for the money it’s one of the best cameras on the market for land or underwater photography.

Upgrading to a DSLR

Within a couple years I moved to a Canon T2i. Upgrading to a DSLR allowed me to expand to true macro and wide-angle photography. The T2i was a step up from my G10 with the primary advantage being the ability to shoot and learn underwater lighting with strobes. My first strobe lights were Inon z240’s. They are powerful, compact, and able to fire either with fiber optic or sync cables. I found that although lighter and easier to connect, fiber optic cables were limiting. For what, where and how I shoot underwater, sync cables offered me much more control over lighting. As any photographer will tell you, lighting is everything. This is especially true in the green, murky, cold waters of Puget Sound.

In the summer of 2012 I was going on my first international dive trip with world class professional photographers. The trip, promoted as a photography clinic, had a spot available and I was off to La Paz, Mexico with Bluewater Photo. By this time, I had completed a few hundred dives and my diving skills were at a sound level. I brought along my new Tokina 10-17mm and Canon 60mm Macro lenses.

Each day we would complete three or four dives. Every evening most of the group would critique each other’s work and Scott Geitler conducted excellent lectures on different topics including lighting, strobe positioning, shot framing and focusing. My photography needed serious professional help, and this trip turned out to be the perfect solution. The professionals were there to help me learn with each dive. Every bit of information was valuable and the following day I was able to practice each lesson from the previous evening.

Upon returning to Puget Sound from La Paz, I spent my next one hundred plus dives practicing and mastering the techniques I had learned. The goal of every dive over the next six to eight months was to work on something I learned during that trip. One of the most important lessons I learned from professional photographers is to get the shot in the camera, with the prominent concept being to take full advantage of the available technology when shooting with a high mega pixel DSLR. I learned that I couldn’t merely take a lot of shots believing I can clean them up in PhotoShop or crop my way to a successful image in post-production. I found this to be an extremely important lesson that I adhere to in my profession.

Upgrading to Full Frame

By January 2013, I advanced to the Canon 5DMarkiii with a new Nauticam housing. With my new Canon 100mm macro lens and flat port, my Canon 17-40mm wide-angle lens with dome port, I quickly found that those many hours of work with the T2i were paying off. The quality of my images were rapidly becoming print worthy. I was willing and able to justify the cost of large-scale giclée prints. By mid-2013, I was on another excellent Bluewater Photo dive trip and clinic, this time to the Socorro Islands. I was now honing and augmenting the skills I had learned in La Paz and learning to shoot big underwater animals.

Building a Photo Business

In the Fall of 2013, I decided it was time to take a huge step and put my work out in the public arena professionally. I truly wanted to educate the people living in and around this area about the amazing flora and fauna we have existing and thriving just below the surface of Puget Sound. My artistic concept would be completely ‘Made In Puget Sound’. All of my images must be shot in Puget Sound. Everything must be printed locally. The paper must also be from local sustainable tree farms. Making a statement about the health of our local environment was an important element to the overall concept.

I decided on the creation of a totally unique 12-month calendar. My first professional artistic project had a serious flaw. After shooting over 9000 images, from three different cameras, over four years, during well over 600 dives, I had nine images that were truly print worthy. I desperately needed at least three more images. Fortunately, the weather and dive conditions were both favorable and I was able to capture three more beautiful images to complete my first 12-month calendar.

The first ever ‘Made in Puget Sound’ calendar was to reflect my own photographic style and creativity. Each calendar month included valuable information about the shot, including the name of the plant or animal, its scientific name, the date and location of the shot, the ISO, shutter speed and aperture settings. Most importantly, I wrote a short statement about the shot to engage the viewer. Each calendar month’s page included the generally accepted holidays, the moon phases, important dates, and events. Once I compiled all the information I was able to create an important piece of functional artwork.

I printed 100 calendars that retailed for about $15.00 each. With fingers crossed, I set an optimistic goal of selling about 50 of my 2014 ‘Made in Puget Sound’ calendars within a three-month period. I was fortunate that the Christmas season was approaching. If I failed to sell themall, I could give them away as gifts. Much to my surprise and amazement, the response was overwhelming. In less than three weeks, I had sold all but two! People were requesting more. My very first artistic attempt was a success! Puget Sound Photography Underwater was born and I decided to take my business to the next logical level.

The Business Today

Since that first artistic leap at the end of 2013, I have created and sold about 1500 2015 and 2016 ‘Made in Puget Sound’ 15 month calendars retailing at $18.95 and $19.95 respectively. It was important that all of my artwork remain local, from almost exclusively local materials and printers. Also, as with any business, it was imperative that my work be profitable thus allowing me the ability to grow my business and give back to the community. For the two years Puget Sound Photography Underwater has been in business, I have donated some of my art work to important local organizations (view my blogs to read about Giving Back Tuesday).

My business is flourishing. With almost 1000 dives completed, with new images added monthly, and my unique artwork exclusively from the Puget Sound, I have received tremendous reviews from individuals, organizations and professional photographers alike. Since my first ‘Market’ in March of 2014, my underwater frameless, ready-to-hang, giclée fine art images printed locally on metal, canvas, acrylic, mat prints, coasters and the incredibly successful 4”x6” note cards, have all been selling at an ever increasing rate. When I am approached and asked by budding artists for advice, I encourage them to take a leap. Put your work out there for people to see, critique and perhaps even enjoy. With the many major local art shows, festivals, and speaking engagements to local groups upcoming in 2016, I am looking forward to a fabulous year!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Drew Collins also is made in and inspired by Puget Sound. He was born and raised around the beautiful mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers and streams that support life in this area. Growing up hiking, biking, swimming, traveling all over the region has made him an advocate for a cleaner and healthier environment. He volunteers much of his time supporting life sciences and environmentalist activities that directly benefit the Puget Sound region. He is working to educate, enlighten and inspire residents and visitors through his photography, videography, writings and talks.

Arek Mszyca shares a special story behind his Ocean Art category-winning image

My Story Behind the Shot is a little bit different. It's not just about planning and capturing the shot. It's more about how this picture became very special to me. Winning the Ocean Art Award (1st Place Wide-Angle) made it even more exceptional.

Let's start from the beginning...

I live in beautiful Cairns (Australia) and have a privilege to work on an overnight dive boat on Great Barrier Reef. It was the last day of our trip. We had perfect weather, great visibility and about 45 min to spare. I was keen to get in the water and it took me no time to convince Max to come with me for a short crew dive. Max was a perfect dive buddy – a very enthusiastic dive instructor, talented underwater photographer and not to mention, an amazing person.

During this dive we decided not to pay any attention to Wally – our local Maori Wrasse. Don't get me wrong – we all love Wally! He is the most adorable fish on Flynn Reef and interacting with him is an unforgettable experience for everyone. This time we just wanted to focus on something else. After all, how many pictures of the same fish can you take?

Wally the famous Maori Wrasse at Flynn Reef.

Wally didn't like this idea at all. He was following us closely through most of the dive. And here is the funny part – the more we ignored him, the closer he was approaching us. Wally was determined to get some attention. At some stage he got right behind Max. I had my wide wet lens ready and took few shots.

Wally poses for a portrait.

It took me a few weeks before I had a chance to look back at those pictures. After some basic post-editing I realised that some of them were actually not too bad. It was after midnight when I emailed one of them to Max. About 10 minutes later I got a message from him saying how much he loved it. He was also trying to convince me to put it into an underwater photo competition. I took it as a nice complement but Max was serious about it. Over the next few weeks he kept reminding me to submit this shot to the photo contest. Eventually the opportunity came up and I did it.

I can't even describe how happy I was to find out that my picture made it to the Grand Final! My first thought was that I need to share the news with Max. To thank him for all his advice but also to tell him that he is a great model and he should consider a career change! At the end, I decided to wait few more weeks for the final announcement.

I wish I didn't wait... Shortly before the announcement Max had a tragic accident during another dive expedition. He passed away. I never had a chance to share the great news with him. I can only imagine how happy Max would be to hear that we won. I can only imagine how big his smile would have been...

About the Author, Arek Mszyca

Born and raised in Poland, I've been living in tropical Cairns (Australia) since 2000. I consider myself very lucky. Why? It's simple.. Cairns is a gateway to Great Barrier Reef and working here on the dive boats (first as an instructor and now as a skipper) gives me the opportunity to combine my multiple passions – traveling, diving and photography. Check out some of my travel and underwater images on Flickr @aarreekk and soon on 500px @aarreekk

Incredible Photo Sequence "Eyes Bigger than the Stomach"

View the Full Sequence of a Sea Snake Eating a Catfish, an Ocean Art winning shot by Jack Berthomier

21st July 2014: It’s winter in New Caledonia. I’m diving at Ouemo, which I usually do at least three or four times a week. Ouemo is a bay in Noumea bordered by a road on one side and on the other side by a little mangrove swamp approximately 100m long – very contaminated but also very rich in juveniles of all species. Best of all, it’s only 10 minutes from home.

Sea: calm. Visibility: 3m. I’ve been swimming for almost two hours in Cannon Bay when I see a snake (Hydrophis major) around 60cm long near the surface. In its mouth it is holding a catfish (Plotosus lineatus) that it has just caught.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch this rare act of predation and even more so to be able to photograph it! In fact, this was the second time I’ve taken such photos – the first time, the snake was approximately 1.30m long and I was highly aware that these snakes can sometimes be very aggressive and their venom can be lethal (a small specimen has already bitten my fin twice). The snakes eat only live prey and the catfish is one of their favourites... So, for about 10 minutes, I shot almost 60 photos of the meal until the snake left, its belly full.

About the Author

Jack Berthomier, 68 years old. Free diver since he was 15 years old. Skin diver and competitor for 30 years at the highest level. A fin swimming champion, he was seized by a passion for underwater photography in March 2010. Since then, he has won several prizes: 3rd and 7th in the World Festival Contest; 2nd and 1st in the Ocean Art Contest in the “Behaviour” category; and a few 1st and 2nd rankings in New Caledonian underwater photography festivals. Since January 2013, he has used a Sony RX100 with a Nauticam housing. He doesn’t use external flash lights as they are too bulky when free-diving.

Story Behind the Shot "Angry Sepiola"

This "angry" squid,Sepiola rondeleti (also known as the Dwarf Bobtail Squid) is a species of bobtail squid native to the Northern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, including the Adriatic Sea. Females grow to 60mm in mantle length (though usually from 40 to 50mm), while males are not known to exceed 25 mm. It is a nocturnal species, and lives mainly in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms where it can bury itself during the day.

This shot was taken in Trieste, Italy, in the northern Adriatic Sea. Shot in April on a night dive with friends, the water water temperature was 15 ∞C.

No sepiolas were seen during the day dives since they were likely hidden under the mud, but during the night dive I found 2 squids. Maybe they approached each other for mating or fighting, but maybe it was just circumstance - I don't know.

Few seconds later, now being illuminated, one of them quickly swam away. Luckily the second one did not and I started to follow it and take some shots, waiting for an interesting posture and good shot angle.

At the beginning, the squid was swimming on the bottom over the mud and between algae. Finally it detached from the mud, and I realized that the right moment was coming with the squid in the open water, looking right at the camera and tentacles collected and in a ready position. So I started to take more shots!

More Incredible Bobtail Squid Photos from Giacomo

About the Author

My name is Giacomo Giovannini. I was born in 1984 in Rimini, Italy - on the Adriatic Sea. I studied and graduated in Computer Engineering, but I found the "scuba world" in 2010 with sport club "Sub Rimini Gian Neri", where I've reached the certification level CMAS ***.

From my first dives, the desire to take photographs was powerful. I shoot underwater with a compact camera and housing, equipped with flashes and a macro lens, and recently starting also shooting with DSLR equipment. You can view my website at: www.giacomogiovannini.com.

Story Behind the Shot "Lionfish Stares at its Lunch"

The wreck of the Sufa lies in the northern part of the Red Sea, on the shores of the city of Eilat, which hosts a yearly congregation of glass sweepers. For a few weeks every year, the glass sweepers take shelter in the bridge of the sunken ship, numbering in the thousands and swimming so tightly they resemble a pseudo living organism.

The glass sweepers keep moving to avoid the predatory Lionfish and are forming new and varied shapes constantly, and along with the Lionfish, create excellent photography opportunities.

When the stories about the congregation arrived, I started planning the photography session. I knew that I wanted to take wide and close shots, and planned to use my Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye lens with arms spread wide to have a large area lighted by the strobes.

My dive buddy and I planned to dive mid-week in order to have as few divers as possible at the site, and during the afternoon in order to have the sun located at the correct angle. When we arrived we were glad to see that we were the only divers on the wreck.

At first, we looked at the bridge and we were sure that we had missed the congregation and that the glass sweepers left, but when we turned to the other side of the bridge we saw the big cloud of fish.

I spent several minutes just hovering in mid-water looking at the fish, trying to learn the pattern of their movement and trying to calculate the best place to be in order to take close shots. I finally made the decision and started shooting while following the Lionfish and finally I managed to shoot the photo that I wanted.

About the Author, Ilan Ben Tov

I am 48 years old and live in Ashdod, Israel. I love nature and especially the sea, and I have been an enthusiastic diver and underwater photographer for a long time. Most vacations are dedicated to underwater photography, and I do most of this in the waters of Eilat in the northern Red sea.